Dandie Dinmont Terriers: What's Good About 'Em? What's Bad About 'Em? More traits and characteristics of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier If I was considering a Dandie Dinmont Terrier, I would be most concerned about... Animal aggression. Like all terriers, Dandie Dinmonts can be scrappy with other dogs of the same sex. They are a determined force to reckon with if they decide to initiate or accept a challenge to fight. And because of their hunting background, most terriers have strong instincts to chase and seize small fleeing creatures. This can make for conflict if you own a cat. It may be much worse than that if you own a pet rabbit or hamster! Terriers cannot be trusted off-leash. They will take off -- oblivious to your frantic shouts -- after anything that runs. Strong mind of their own. Terriers must be taught at an early age that they are not the rulers of the world. The toughness that makes them suited to killing vermin can frustrate you when you try to teach them anything. Terriers are stubborn and dominant (they want to be the boss) and will make you prove that you can make them do things.

You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say. To teach your terrier to listen to you, "Respect Training" is mandatory. My Dandie Dinmont Training Page discusses the program you need. Defensive reactions. If you need to physically chastise a terrier, and you go beyond what THEY believe is a fair correction, terriers (as a group) are more likely than other breeds to growl or snap. As an obedience instructor, I'm always extra careful when putting my hands on any terrier for a correction. I do NOT recommend terriers for small children. Many terriers will not tolerate any nonsense from little life forms whom they consider to be below themselves in importance. Many terriers are quick to react to teasing, and even to the normal clumsiness that comes with small children (accidental squeezing of their ears or pulling of whiskers or stepping on their paw). Many terriers are possessive of their food and toys and will defend these from all comers, including children. Grooming. Dandie Dinmont Terriers require clipping and trimming every few months, to keep their coat short and free of mats.

But don't expect your pet Dandie Dinmont to look like the Dandie Dinmont show dogs you've seen in books or on TV. That particular look takes hours of work by experienced show groomers. Finding one and paying the price. In the United States, less than 100 new Dandie Dinmont Terrier puppies are registered each year. Compare that to over 60,000 new Golden Retriever puppies! And many breeders are charging $1000 and up. To learn more about training Dandie Dinmont Terriers to be calm and well-behaved, consider my dog training book, Teach Your Dog 100 English Words . It's a unique Vocabulary and Respect Training Program that will make your Dandie Dinmont Terrier the smartest, most well-behaved companion you've ever had. Teaches your dog to listen to you, to pay attention to you, and to do whatever you ask him to do. My dog buying guide, Dog Quest: Find The Dog Of Your Dreams , will teach you everything you need to know about finding a healthy Dandie Dinmont Terrier.

Health problems have become so widespread in dogs today that this book is required reading for ANYONE who is thinking of getting a purebred, crossbred, or mixed breed dog. If you'd like to consult with me personally about whether the Dandie Dinmont Terrier might be a good dog breed for your family, I offer a Dog Breed Consulting Service . Once you have your Dandie Dinmont Terrier home, you need to KEEP him healthy -- or if he's having any current health problems, you need to get him back on the road to good health. Raise your dog the right way and you will be helping him live a longer, healthier life while avoiding health problems and unnecessary veterinary expenses. Please consider adopting an ADULT Dandie Dinmont Terrier... When you're acquiring a Dandie Dinmont Terrier PUPPY, you're acquiring potential -- what he one day will be. So "typical breed characteristics" are very important. But when you acquire an adult dog, you're acquiring what he already IS and you can decide whether he is the right dog for you based on that reality.

There are plenty of adult Dandie Dinmont Terriers who have already proven themselves NOT to have negative characteristics that are "typical" for their breed. If you find such an adult dog, don't let "typical breed negatives" worry you. Just be happy that you found an atypical individual -- and enjoy! Save a life. Adopt a dog. Dandie Dinmont Terrier Dog Breed Information - American Kennel Club 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 General Appearance Originally bred to go to ground, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a long, low-stationed working terrier with a curved outline. The distinctive head with silken topknot is large but in proportion to the size of the dog. The dark eyes are large and round with a soft, wise expression. The sturdy, flexible body and scimitar shaped tail are covered with a rather crisp double coat, either mustard or pepper in color. Head The head is strongly made and large, but in proportion to the dogs size. Muscles are well developed, especially those covering the foreface. The expression shows great determination, intelligence and dignity.

The eyes are large, round, bright and full, but not protruding. They are set wide apart and low, and directly forward. Color, a rich dark hazel. Eye rims dark. The ears are set well back, wide apart and low on the skull, hanging close to the cheek, with a very slight projection at the fold. The shape is broad at the base, coming almost to a point. The front edge comes almost straight down from base to tip; the tapering is primarily on the back edge. The cartilage and skin of the ear are rather thin. The ears length is from three to four inches. Body The neck is very muscular, well developed and strong, showing great power of resistance. It is well set into the shoulders and moderate in length. The topline is rather low at the shoulder, having a slight downward curve and a corresponding arch over the loins, with a very slight gradual drop from the top of the loins to the root of the tail. Both sides of the backbone well muscled. The outline is a continuous flow from the crest of the neck to the tip of the tail. The body is long, strong and flexible. Ribs are well sprung and well rounded.

The chest is well developed and well let down between the forelegs. The underline reflects the curves of the topline. Forequarters There should be sufficient layback of shoulder to allow good reach in front; angulation in balance with hindquarters. Upper arms nearly equal in length to the shoulder blades, elbows lying close to the ribs and capable of moving freely. The forelegs are short with good muscular development and ample bone, set wide apart. Feet point forward or very slightly outward. Pasterns nearly straight when viewed from the side. Bandy legs and fiddle front are objectionable. Coat This is a very important point: The hair should be about two inches long; the body coat is a mixture of about 2/3 hardish hair with about 1/3 soft hair, giving a sort of crisp texture. The hard is not wiry. The body coat is shortened by plucking. The coat is termed pily or pencilled, the effect of the natural intermingling of the two types of hair. The hair on the underpart of the body is softer than on the top.

Tail The tail is 8 to 10 inches in length, rather thick at the root, getting thicker for about four inches, then tapering off to a point. The set-on of the tail is a continuation of the very slight gradual drop over the croup. The tail is carried a little above the level of the body in a curve like a scimitar. Only when the dog is excited may the tip of the tail be aligned perpendicular to its root. Hindquarters The hind legs are a little longer than the forelegs and are set rather wide apart, but not spread out in an unnatural manner. The upper and lower thighs are rounded and muscular and approximately the same length; stifles angulated, in balance with forequarters. The hocks are well let down and rear pasterns perpendicular to the ground. Dandie Dinmont Terrier Dog Breed Information and Pictures Your browser does not support the audio tag. Description The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a low to the ground, longer than he is tall, little dog. The large head has a topknot that is in proportion to the body. The skull is broad between the ears, gradually tapering to the eyes. The muzzle is deep, with a well-defined stop.

The large teeth meet in a scissors bite. The moderately large nose and the lips are dark in color. The large, round, wide-set eyes come in dark hazel with dark eye rims. The 3 to 4 inch (7-10 cm) ears are pendant, set low and wide, hanging close to the cheeks. The legs are short with the back legs being a little longer than the front legs. The "scimitar" tail looks like a curved sword and is about 8 to 10 inches (20-25 cm) long, thicker for about 4 inches then tapering to a point. Dewclaws may be removed when puppies are three or four days old. The coat is about 2 inches (5 cm) long, with a mix of soft and hard hairs. Hair on the underside is softer in texture and the head is covered with an even softer, silky topknot. Coat colors come in pepper (dark bluish black to a light silvery gray) or mustard (reddish brown to a pale fawn). Mustard puppies are born with a dark brown coat which lightens into varying shades of red when it reaches an adult.

Pepper puppies are born black and tan that silvers later in life. Pepper coats have a silver topknot and mustard color coats have a cream-colored topknot. Temperament The Dandie Dinmont makes a great companion dog, affectionate and happy-go-lucky. It is lively, bold, brave, independent and intelligent. Because of this terrier's hunting instincts, it should not be trusted with non-canine pets , such as hamsters , rabbits , pet mice and guinea pigs . It will be okay with cats that it is raised with from puppyhood. They are not difficult to train , if you are firm and consistent. Makes a good watchdog, but needs to be told, after getting your attention with the first warning bark, it is time to be quiet and let you handle the rest. Because of this breed’s small size, a lot of Dandie Dinmont Terriers develop Small Dog Syndrome , human induced behaviors where the dog believes he is king of the home. Dogs with small dog syndrome are led to believe they own the humans and everything else around them, and do their best to keep and defend what they own.

This causes many varying degrees of behavior issues , including, but not limited to, stubbornness, determination, willful, guarding , separation anxiety , difficulty with obedience training, reserved with strangers, snapping, biting, dog-aggressiveness, and obsessive barking, as the dog tries to keep his humans and everyone else around him in line. These are NOT Dandie Dinmont traits, but behaviors brought on by the lack of a firm, consistent pack leader who provides rules and limits to what it is and is not allowed to do, along with the lack of a daily pack walk . As soon as the humans take the control away from the dog, and the dog's instincts are met, the negative behaviors will begin to subside and the Dandie Dinmont will be a wonderful, trustworthy family companion. Height, Weight Height: 8 - 11 inches (20 - 28 cm) Weight: 18 - 24 pounds (8 - 11 kg) Health Problems Generally a healthy breed. Some are prone to glaucoma and epilepsy. Hypothyroidism can occur when the dog is older. Do not overfeed, as an overweight dog can have back problems.

Living Conditions The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is good for apartment life. They are fairly active indoors and a small yard will do as long as you take them for daily walks. Likes to chase, be careful when taking them off the leash. Exercise Dandie Dinmonts need to be walked daily . They will also enjoy sessions of play in the park or other safe open areas. Life Expectancy About 3 to 6 puppies Grooming The Dandie Dinmont needs to be brushed regularly. They should have professional grooming. Dead hair should be plucked out once or twice a year. Show dogs require much more grooming. This breed sheds little to no hair. Origin The Dandie Dinmont is an old terrier dating back to the 1700s, originating from the border area between England and Scotland. The breed may have been developed from the Skye Terrier and the now extinct Scotch Terrier (not to be confused with today's Scottish Terrier). The breed was popular among the gypsies and was used by farmers to kill vermin. With its short legs it was able to go to ground hunting badgers and otter.

In 1814 Sir Walter Scott wrote about the breed in his famous novel "Guy Mannering." In the book there was a character named Dandie Dinmont, and that is where the breed got its name. It was recognized by the AKC in 1886. Some of the Dandie Dinmont's talents are vermin catcher, hunting rabbit, otter, badger, martens, weasels and skunks. Group ACA = American Canine Association Inc. ACR = American Canine Registry ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club APRI = American Pet Registry, Inc. CET = Club Español de Terriers (Spanish Terrier Club) CKC = Canadian Kennel Club DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc. FCI = Fédération Cynologique Internationale KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain NAPR = North American Purebred Registry, Inc.

NKC = National Kennel Club NZKC = New Zealand Kennel Club UKC = United Kennel Club Daphne the Dandie Dinmont at 3 years old (Pitfirrane breeding) and Madge the Dandie Dinmont puppy at 12 weeks (Hendell breeding) Daphne the Dandie Dinmont at 3 years old (Pitfirrane breeding) and Madge the Dandie Dinmont puppy at 12 weeks (Hendell breeding) Daphne the Dandie Dinmont at 3 years old Madge the Dandie Dinmont puppy at 12 weeks Madge the Dandie Dinmont puppy at 12 weeks Longfellow the Dandie Dinmont Terrier licking his chops Longfellow the Dandie Dinmont Terrier taking a nap on the chair This is CH German Dandies' Earl of Speedy.

Photo courtesy of DandieOnline Buddy the Dandie Dinmont Terrier at 9 years old with a puppy cut—"He has a great personality, and I've never heard him bark except for when he's sleeping (dreaming) :)" Dandie Dinmont Terrier Dog Breed Information, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts – Dogtime Dog Breed Group: Terrier Dogs Height: 8 inches to 11 inches tall at the shoulder Weight: 18 to 24 pounds Life Span: 12 to 15 years The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a small dog with a unique appearance and the distinction of being the only dog named after a fictional character. This low-to-the-ground dog, with a body that is longer than he is tall and a distinctive "poof" of hair on his head, had been bred for many years before he gained fame and a name in Sir Walter Scott's book Guy Mannering, published in 1814. In that book, a farmer is portrayed as having six small, long terriers — three with a salt-and-pepper coloring and three with a "mustard" tone to their coats.

The farmer's name was Dandie Dinmont and so the little dogs came to be known as Dandie Dinmont's terriers, with the apostrophe "s" being dropped as time went by. Even the color designations of the breed came from this fictional farmer. He had only two names for his small dogs: Pepper and Mustard. He differentiated them by calling them Auld Pepper, Auld Mustard, Young Pepper, Young Mustard, Little Pepper and Little Mustard. To this day the two colors of the breed are still known as Pepper (bluish black) and Mustard (shades of golden brown). In his book, Scott, who owned some Dandies of his own, described the little dogs as follows: "He evolved from the Scottish Hillside, the grey mists forming his body, a bunch of lichen his topknot, crooked juniper stems his forelegs and a wet bramble his nose." Dandie Dinmonts are unusual looking dogs that unfortunately are becoming rare. They have large, domed heads, with large, dark eyes that are set low in the front of the head. Their long ears are set low on the skull and fringed at their tips.

Dandies have large chests and long backs. Unlike most terriers, Dandies have many curves in their shape. The back arches over the loin (the back end) and drops slightly to the base of the tail, which itself curves like a scimitar. Their front legs are short and powerful with paws that turn slightly outward for digging . The hind legs are slightly longer than the front legs, and not as heavy. They typically are 8 to 11 inches tall and weigh 18 to 24 pounds. Dandies are affectionate, lively dogs. Like many terriers, they also are independent and determined. They are very intelligent and typically are bold in defending their territory and family, but reserved with strangers, at least initially. Many describe them as being dignified, and even 100 years ago, they were described as having "melancholy eyes as of a nobleman in disguise." Dandies typically get along well with children and other pets , so long as they are brought up with them or exposed to them in puppyhood .

Although their exercise needs are not great, you should always keep them on a leash in unfenced areas, as their instincts to chase game might kick in at an unexpected moment. Training your Dandie will take a bit of patience. They seem to get bored with repetitive tasks. Make training fun for your Dandie, and you'll be amazed at how quickly he learns and how clever he truly is. Highlights If your Dandie Dinmont Terrier becomes overweight, he can have back problems. Be sure to monitor his food intake and give him regular exercise to keep him in shape. Dandie Dinmonts are independent and can be stubborn when it comes to housetraining. Crate training is recommended. Dandies are reserved with strangers and make good watchdogs. Their bark is surprisingly loud and deep, but being a typically reserved breed, they can be trained to be quiet on command. Because they are terriers, they are prone to chasing rabbits, birds, and even other dogs and cats. Be sure to keep your Dandie on leash when he's not in a secure area. Because of their unusual looks and small size, they could be targets for dog thieves.

Although Dandies do well outdoors, they should be kept in your house when you can't supervise them. Dandie Dinmonts are a rare breed. It may be difficult to locate a reputable breeder , and even when you locate one, you may have to wait several months for a litter to be born. While Dandies typically aren't aggressive dogs , they will not back down from a challenge from other dogs, no matter what their size. Be sure to keep your Dandie under control until you know that both he and the other dog are friendly to each other. To get a healthy dog, never buy a puppy from an irresponsible breeder, puppy mill, or pet store. Look for a reputable breeder who tests her breeding dogs to make sure they're free of genetic diseases that they might pass onto the puppies, and that they have sound temperaments. History There are records of Dandie Dinmont Terriers being bred in the early 1700s, but stories about how the breed was developed are conflicting. Some think they were a cross between Otterhounds and local terriers in the Border Country between Scotland and England. Others think the breed evolved from the rough-haired terriers common on farms.

Yet others believe the breed was developed by crossing terriers with Dachshunds (although it's unclear how the Dachshunds, being developed in Germany, would have been in the same proximity as the terriers). Whichever theory one wants to believe, the fact is that Dandies are one of the oldest distinct breeds of terriers. Unlike many breeds, the Dandie hasn't changed much since the early 1700s. Today's Dandie Dinmonts certainly resemble the one depicted in Gainsborough's 1770 portrait of Henry, 3rd Duke of Buccleuch, although a number of other breeds also have claims to being the dog depicted with the duke. Although Dandies were well-established and bred true to type for many years, they didn't have a unique name until Sir Walter Scott mentioned them in his book, Guy Mannering, which was published in 1814. Before then, terriers of all types were simply called terriers. As an owner of several Dandies himself, Scott described them in his book as being owned by a farmer named Dandie Dinmont.

From that book, the breed became known as Dandie Dinmont's Terriers, with the apostrophe and the "s" being dropped as years went by. Dandies are said to be the first of the terriers to be given their own name. In 1875, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier Club was formed in Scotland, and the standard for the Dandie Dinmont Terrier was written. This club today is the third oldest breed club in the world. At their first meeting, many breeders disagreed about the correct size of the breed. At the time, Dandies ranged in weight from less than 10 pounds (used to hunt weasels and other small burrowing animals) to more than 40 pounds (used for hunting otters, foxes, and badgers). A compromise was made and the breed standard — a written description of how the breed should look — called for Dandies to range between 14 and 24 pounds. In the 1920s, this was amended to 18 to 24 pounds.

Otherwise, the standard remained the same in England and other parts of the world as it was on the day that it was written in 1876 for more than 100 years. In 1987, the British club and many others changed some of the wording of the standard, and throughout the years, the American standard has been modified and revised. Today, the Canadian Dandie Dinmont Terrier Club is the only one in the world that still uses the original standard as its guide. Dandie Dinmont Terriers came to be bred by many people and some have particularly interesting stories, such as Old Pepper, one of the most well known dogs in the history of the breed. Old Pepper was supposedly caught in a trap on the estate of the fifth Duke of Buccleuch. Although his pedigree was unknown, he was bred and sired a son named Old Ginger, whose name can be found in the pedigree of nearly every Dandie Dinmont alive in the world today. Dandie Dinmonts became very popular in England in the late 19th century. Queen Victoria, an avid dog lover, owned a Dandie.

It's not recorded when the first Dandies were brought to the U.S., but the American Kennel Club registered a Dandie named Bonnie Britton in the first year of the Stud Book Registry in 1886. In the years leading up to World War II, there were many large, famous kennels that bred Dandies. During the war, however, many of these kennels were dispersed. Some even destroyed their dogs because there was not enough food to feed them nor enough people available to take care of them. After the war, dedicated breeders worked hard to re-establish the breed. One of the most famous of these kennels was Bellmead Kennels, a large boarding kennel in England. They bred a dog named Bellmead Delegate, who was a significant sire that won many shows. Bellmead continued breeding Dandies until the early 1990s, when the kennel was sold to Battersea Dogs Home. Today the Dandie Dinmont Terrier is one of the rarest and most endangered of all purebred dogs. The Kennel Club in England has put it on their list of endangered native breeds and many fear that it will become extinct.

Size Dandie Dinmont Terriers are 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh from 18 to 24 pounds. The length of their bodies, from the top of their shoulders to the base of their tails, should be twice their height, minus one to two inches. Personality Dandies are typical terriers : independent, bold, tenacious, and intelligent. With people they know, they're affectionate yet dignified but tend to be reserved with strangers. Because Dandies are reserved dogs , they are not "barkers," as are most of their terrier cousins. Dandies will bark when necessary, and their bark is deep and loud. They just don't seem to think it's proper to keep barking after the alarm has been duly noted or to bark just to hear their own voices. Like most terriers, Dandies have a great deal of self-confidence. They are not high-strung as are many terriers, however. Nor do they seem to be out looking for a fight, as many terriers do. Dandies are never bullies, but they won't back down if they are pushed too far.

Overall, their motto seems to be "live and let live." Temperament is affected by a number of factors, including heredity, training , and socialization . Puppies with nice temperaments are curious and playful, willing to approach people and be held by them. Choose the middle-of-the-road puppy, not the one who's beating up his littermates or the one who's hiding in the corner. Always meet at least one of the parents — usually the mother is the one who's available — to ensure that they have nice temperaments that you're comfortable with. Meeting siblings or other relatives of the parents is also helpful for evaluating what a puppy will be like when he grows up. Like every dog, a Dandie needs early socialization — exposure to many different people, sights, sounds, and experiences — when he's young. Socialization helps ensure that your Dandie Dinmont puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog. Enrolling him in a puppy kindergarten class is a great start. Inviting visitors over regularly, and taking him to busy parks, stores that allow dogs, and on leisurely strolls to meet neighbors will also help him polish his social skills.

Health Dandies are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions. Not all Dandies will get any or all of these diseases, but it's important to be aware of them if you're considering this breed. If you're buying a puppy, find a good breeder who will show you health clearances for both your puppy's parents. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. In Dandies, you should expect to see health clearances from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) for hip dysplasia (with a score of fair or better), elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and von Willebrand's disease; from Auburn University for thrombopathia; and from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) certifying that eyes are normal. You can confirm health clearances by checking the OFA web site (offa.org). Glaucoma: Some lines of Dandie Dinmont Terriers appear to be prone to glaucoma, which causes an increase in pressure in the eyeball. Signs of glaucoma are squinting, tearing, rubbing, or redness of the eye.

If you notice any of these signs, be sure to have your vet check your dog immediately as treatment should be started preferably within a few hours for greatest success. Cheyletiella yasguri mites: While these mites can invest any dog, it appears that Dandie Dinmont Terrier pups and adults become invested with them more commonly than most other breeds of dogs. Signs of these mites are scaliness on the skin, small white Cheyletiella mites moving on the surface of the skin (walking dandruff), itching, skin redness, and small swollen areas. Your vet can prescribe treatments to get rid of the mites. Spinal problems: A Dandie can easily injure his long back. Be careful to support his back when you pick him up and discourage him from jumping on or off high places. Instead, provide pet steps to the sofa or bed. Epilepsy: Some Dandies have been reported with epilepsy . If your dog has seizures, ask your vet about treatment. Care Dandie Dinmont Terriers are adaptable and will enjoy city or country life as long as they get quality time with their people.

They can live in smaller quarters, although they need to be walked regularly or have a yard to play in. Two 20- or 30-minute walks daily or time spent playing in the yard will keep them happy. Like all terriers, digging is in their blood, so either supervise outdoor playtime or provide them with their very own digging spot . Never allow them off-leash in unfenced areas as their instinct to hunt and chase may be provoked by the slightest movement of a squirrel, bird, or other dog or cat. An underground electronic fence won't deter them in the least, so stick to a solid barrier. Training your Dandie will take a bit of patience. Like all terriers, Dandies are independent thinkers, and they may often seem reluctant to respond to your commands. They also seem to get bored with repetitive tasks. Make training fun for your Dandie, and you'll be amazed at how quickly he learns and how clever he truly is. Feeding Recommended daily amount: 1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. NOTE: How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level.

Dogs are individuals, just like people, and they don't all need the same amount of food. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. The quality of dog food you buy also makes a difference — the better the dog food, the further it will go toward nourishing your dog and the less of it you'll need to shake into your dog's bowl. If you're unsure whether he's overweight, give him the hands-on test. Place your hands on his back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel but not see his ribs without having to press hard. If you can't feel the ribs, he needs less food and more exercise. For more on feeding your Dandie, see our guidelines for buying the right food , feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog . Coat Color And Grooming Dandie Dinmont Terriers have a crisp topcoat that covers a soft, downy, waterproof undercoat. The topcoat, which is about 2 inches long, gets its crisp texture from the mixture of two-thirds hard hair with one-third soft hair. The topknot is very soft silky hair.

They come in two distinctive colors: mustard and pepper. Mustards are a reddish brown to a pale fawn with a creamy white topknot. Peppers are a dark bluish black to a light silvery gray with a silvery white topknot. Although Dandies look very natural, they actually have medium- to high-maintenance coats. Even though they shed very little, Dandies need to be brushed two or three times a week to remove dead hair and prevent matting. Part of keeping your Dandie well-groomed involves plucking dead hair from the coat once or twice a year. Show dogs require this much more often. The hard hairs are stripped out to encourage new hair to grow. Most pet owners find a good professional groomer to strip their Dandie's coats. If you cut your Dandie's hair instead of stripping it, the color and texture changes, becoming lighter and softer. Complete a Dandie's hair care by trimming the hair on top of the muzzle short, and keeping the corners of the eyes free of hair. The soft furnishings — the long hair on the legs, underbody, and head — can be trimmed with scissors, as can the hair between the footpads.

Hair in the ears should be removed regularly by gently plucking it out. Other grooming needs include dental hygiene and nail care. Brush your Dandie's teeth at least two or three times a week to remove tartar buildup and the bacteria that lurk inside it. Daily brushing is even better if you want to prevent gum disease and bad breath. Trim nails regularly if your dog doesn't wear them down naturally. If you can hear them clicking on the floor, they're too long. Short, neatly trimmed nails keep your legs from getting scratched when your Dandie enthusiastically jumps up to greet you. Begin accustoming your Dandie to being brushed and examined when he's a puppy. Handle his paws frequently — dogs are touchy about their feet — and look inside his mouth and ears. Make grooming a positive experience filled with praise and rewards, and you'll lay the groundwork for easy veterinary exams and other handling when he's an adult. As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the ears, nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet.

Ears should smell good, without too much wax or gunk inside, and eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early. Children And Other Pets Dandies typically get along well with children and other pets, so long as they are brought up with them or exposed to them in puppyhood. An adult Dandie who's unfamiliar with children may do best in a home with children who are mature enough to interact with him properly. Always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. Teach your child never to approach any dog while he's eating or to try to take the dog's food away. No dog should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Rescue Groups Dandies are sometimes bought without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. These dogs may end up in need of adoption and or fostering. Dandie Dinmont | definition of Dandie Dinmont by Medical dictionary Dandie Dinmont | definition of Dandie Dinmont by Medical dictionary Also found in: Dictionary , Thesaurus , Encyclopedia , Wikipedia .

Dandie Dinmont terrier a small dog with pendulous ears and a medium length, crisp coat in colors described as mustard (fawn to reddish brown) or pepper (dark bluish black to light silvery gray). The legs are short, with the front being shorter than the rear so the shoulder height is about 10 inches. The large head is accentuated by a fluffy topknot. Dandie Dinmont terrier. Dandie Dinmont Terrier Dog Breed | Information on Dandie Dinmont Terriers Dandie Dinmont Terrier Dog Breed Source: PetWave , Updated on July 16, 2015 Pictures Introduction The Dandie Dinmont Terrier, also known as Charlie’s Hope Terrier, the Mustard and Pepper Terrier, the Otter Terrier, the Dandie and the Hindlee Terrier, was bred to be a working terrier originally specializing in vermin-destruction - especially rodents but also rabbit, otter and badger. Today’s Dandie is known for its long, low-slung body and disproportionately large head topped with what looks like a helmet of white fur. The distinctive top-knot has been exaggerated over time for the show ring.

The Dandie Dinmont has a distinctive deep bark that is much larger and louder than one would expect from a dog of its size, making it an excellent watch dog. It also is a wonderful family dog: intelligent, fond of children and affectionate. The Dandie was accepted into the Terrier Group of the American Kennel Club in 1886. The average Dandie stands from 8 to 11 inches at the withers and preferably weighs between 18 and 24 pounds. Although they do not shed, the Dandie’s double coat needs to be brushed and hand-plucked regularly to maintain its proper appearance. Stripping may be necessary, especially if the coat is neglected for a time. Dandies have a distinctive top-knot of hair and an unusually soft coat for a terrier, being a combination of hard and soft hair. Dandies typically require professional grooming to be presentable in the show ring.

They come in two colors: 1) pepper, which is blue-gray to silver with tan or silver points, and a very light topknot on top of the head; and 2) mustard, which is a dark ocher to cream color, with white points and topknot. Dandie Dinmont Terrier Dog Breed Quick Facts Adaptability Dandie Dinmont terrier | definition of Dandie Dinmont terrier by Medical dictionary Dandie Dinmont terrier | definition of Dandie Dinmont terrier by Medical dictionary Also found in: Dictionary , Thesaurus , Encyclopedia , Wikipedia . Dandie Dinmont terrier a small dog with pendulous ears and a medium length, crisp coat in colors described as mustard (fawn to reddish brown) or pepper (dark bluish black to light silvery gray). The legs are short, with the front being shorter than the rear so the shoulder height is about 10 inches. The large head is accentuated by a fluffy topknot. Dandie Dinmont terrier. Want to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us , add a link to this page, or visit the webmaster's page for free fun content .

Link to this page: terriers References in periodicals archive ? FIFTY Dandie Dinmont terriers gathered in the Scottish Borders yesterday, together with their owners, to celebrate the rare and endangered breed. Great Scott! Here come the Dandie Dinmonts Giant Schnauzers rose from 96 to 83; Keeshonden from 103 to 86; Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers from 104 to 97; Irish Terriers from 132 to 123; Kerry Blue Terriers from 130 to 126; Lakeland Terriers from 137 to 134; Sussex Spaniels from 169 to 162; and Dandie Dinmont Terriers from 172 to 168. Bigger Breeds Are Here To Stay! Large Dogs Dominate Most Popular List The plummet in puppy numbers has led to the Kennel Club placing the Sealyham on their Vulnerable Native Breed list alongside Welsh corgis, Dandie Dinmont terriers and Otterhounds.

The dog that's rarer than a TIGER; ONCE THE TOAST OF ROYALTY, THE SEALYHAM TERRIER IS NOW ONE OF THE MOST ENDANGERED BREEDS ON EARTH Terriers breeds (291): Airedale Terriers 9, American Staffordshire Terriers 6, Australian Terriers 10, Bedlington Terriers 12, Border Terriers 13, Bull Terriers (Colored) 4, Bull Terriers (White) 3, Cairn Terriers 13, Cesky Terriers 9, Dandie Dinmont Terriers 2, Fox Terriers (Smooth) 16, Fox Terriers (Wire) 8, Glen of Imaal Terriers 3, Irish Terriers 7, Kerry Blue Terriers 12, Lakeland Terriers 8, Manchester Terriers (Standard) 9, Miniature Bull Terriers 8, Miniature Schnauzers 18, Norfolk Terriers 9, Norwich Terriers 19, Parson Russell Terriers 11, Russell Terriers 15, Scottish Terriers 12, Sealyham Terriers 5, Skye

 Terriers 7, Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers 15, Staffordshire Bull Terriers 7, Welsh Terriers 5, West Highland White Terriers 16.

Question: What is a Dandie Dinmont?
Answer: Dog